FROM THIS EPISODE

When President Obama spoke about Libya on Monday, did he effectively clarify the US doctrine there? Obama's speech was perhaps striking for what he said as much as for what he didn't say. Was there enough in the speech to sway public opinion? The budget battles continue on Capitol Hill, against the backdrop of new unemployment numbers and a continued slump in housing starts. Can both parties finalize a budget deal and avoid a government shutdown by next Friday? Also our panelists weigh in on some emerging GOP contenders for the 2012 presidential race. (Mary Matalin sits in for Arianna Huffington.)

Banner image: Secretary of Defense Robert Gates (L) and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen testify before the House Armed Services Committee about Operation Odyssey Dawn and US military operations in Libya during a hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, March 31, 2011. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images